An Audit of Adherence to SIGN Guidelines for Tonsillectomies: Completion of Third Cycle

Abstract

Objective: It is important to ensure that our listing practice for tonsillectomy is in keeping with the best evidence available, as stated by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). We audited the accuracy of documentation of the SIGN guideline indications for tonsillectomies to ensure appropriate listing of such patients.

Method: Medical notes of patients with recurrent tonsillitis presenting to our department were reviewed retrospectively to check for documentation of the SIGN indication for tonsillectomy. Three audit cycles were carried out, each over a 3-month period.

Results: Prior to intervention, only 51% (25/51) patients undergoing tonsillectomy had documented evidence of adherence to SIGN guidelines for surgery. Interventions following the first audit cycle included presentation of audit findings, introduction of guideline templates for doctors to complete, and recruitment of medical secretaries to return the notes to doctors if documentation was incomplete. Postintervention, audit cycles 2 and 3 showed respectively 100% (30/30), and 92% (36/39) of patients had documented evidence of adherence.

Conclusion: The introduction of a simplistic model of intervention as above improved the local adherence to SIGN guidance for tonsillectomy and translated to safe and better care for patients. This model is easily replicable and can be used in other ENT departments to improve patient care.